According to Avello, the SUV was westbound on the parkway making a left turn to head south on Banks Road when it collided with the motorcycle, which was eastbound on Coconut Creek Parkway.

Police are still investigating the crash.

"[McQuade] was highly respected and well liked," said Margate police spokesman Detective Efrain Suarez. "He will be sorely missed."

McQuade joined Margate police in 2003 after a brief stint with the U.S. Marines, state records show. He held several positions within the agency, including the Marine Patrol Unit and serving as a field training officer, Suarez said.

Besides numerous letters of recognition and commendations, Suarez said McQuade received two Officer of the Month titles in 2004 and 2005.

Family members at his Pembroke Pines home declined to comment. A woman who on the phone identified herself as Augusme's daughter said her mother had spoken with investigators and had nothing else to say.

State records show Augusme was cited and convicted in 2001 for failing to obey a traffic sign. She was also cited and convicted the next year for operating improper equipment or operating a vehicle in unsafe conditions.